The electoral register and the 'open register'
Opt out of the 'open register'
There are 2 versions of the electoral register - the full version and the ‘open register’ (‘edited register’ in Northern Ireland).
Opting out of the ‘open register’
You can opt out of the open register. This is the version of the register that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy.
To opt out, contact:
- your local Electoral Registration Office if you live in England, Scotland or Wales
- the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI) if you live in Northern Ireland
Opting out does not affect your right to vote.
The full version
Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register. The full version of the register is only used for:
- elections
- preventing and detecting crime
- checking applications for loans or credit
- jury summoning in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
You can find out more about the difference between:
- the open register and the electoral register if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales
- the edited register and the electoral register if you’re in Northern Ireland
Registering to vote anonymously
You may be able to register anonymously if you can show that there’s a good reason, for example if you’re concerned about your safety.
Your details will not appear on either version of the electoral register if you register anonymously.